He informed him about the election of Shettar as leader of the BJP Legislature party at its meeting here yesterday.

Earlier as he set out from his residence "Anugraha", his supporters, raising slogans, made a forceful bid to prevent him from submitting his resignation. They demanded that he continue in office. Some of them also squatted on the road to block his car. Police used force to evict them.

Gowda sought to pacify them and later left the residence but said he would tender his resignation. Gowda's supporters had also gathered outside Raj Bhavan, but the police intervened to clear the way for him.

Chief Minister-designate Shettar also met the Governor and staked claim to form the Government. He is scheduled to be sworn in as Chief Minister tomorrow.